Ross Chastain NASCAR playoff boost came following a dramatic weekend at Watkins Glen, where several drivers clinched spots in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Shane van Gisbergen’s victory had a significant impact on the playoff landscape, locking in multiple drivers ahead of the final regular-season races.

Impact of Watkins Glen Victory on Playoff Race

Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain joined a group of drivers officially confirmed for the playoffs after Shane van Gisbergen secured his fourth win of the season at Watkins Glen. Van Gisbergen’s latest triumph boosted his playoff points while simultaneously changing the season’s dynamics. His win made it mathematically impossible to have 16 separate race winners this season, meaning all drivers with at least one win—like Chastain, Josh Berry, Austin Cindric, Joey Logano, Bubba Wallace, Chase Briscoe, Ryan Blaney, and Chase Elliott—are guaranteed playoff entries.

Before this result, there was a possibility that if there were more than 16 winners across the season, NASCAR would have to rely on points totals to decide who qualifies, potentially leaving some one–win drivers out if their points stood too low. This situation, unfamiliar since the introduction of the current playoff format, will not happen this year due to the Watkins Glen outcome.

Drivers who secured their playoff spots can now focus on preparing for the postseason, which begins at Darlington Raceway on August 31. The certainty of a playoff berth allows these drivers to strategize ahead and build momentum as the season’s regular segment nears completion.

Current Playoff Standings and Drivers Locked In

The playoff standings after Watkins Glen list Denny Hamlin, Shane van Gisbergen, Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson, and William Byron as race winners already locked into the postseason, with Hamlin and van Gisbergen leading with four wins apiece. A total of 14 drivers have clinched their spots by winning at least one race:

1. Denny Hamlin (11) – Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota – 4 wins – LOCKED IN
2. Shane Van Gisbergen (88) – Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet – 4 wins – LOCKED IN
3. Christopher Bell (20) – Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota – 3 wins – LOCKED IN
4. Kyle Larson (5) – Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet – 3 wins – LOCKED IN
5. William Byron (24) – Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet – 2 wins – LOCKED IN
6. Chase Elliott (9) – Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet – 1 win – LOCKED IN
7. Ryan Blaney (12) – Team Penske Ford – 1 win – LOCKED IN
8. Chase Briscoe (19) – Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota – 1 win – LOCKED IN
9. Bubba Wallace (23) – 23XI Racing Toyota – 1 win – LOCKED IN
10. Joey Logano (22) – Team Penske Ford – 1 win – LOCKED IN
11. Ross Chastain (1) – Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet – 1 win – LOCKED IN
12. Austin Cindric (2) – Team Penske Ford – 1 win – LOCKED IN
13. Josh Berry (21) – Wood Brothers Racing Ford – 1 win – LOCKED IN

Behind these winners, Tyler Reddick, Alex Bowman, and Chris Buescher occupy the playoff cut line spots with no wins but positive point differentials. Outside the cut line, several drivers including Ryan Preece and Kyle Busch lag in points, reducing their chances of making the playoffs without race victories in the remaining events.

Playoff Atmosphere Ahead of Final Regular-Season Races

The playoff picture is now clearer than ever with the Brennan season rapidly approaching its climax. With most playoff spots secured through race wins, focus shifts towards who can earn additional points and best positioning before the playoff challenges begin. Trackhouse Racing’s strength is evident, with Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen both locked in. Hendrick Motorsports also boasts multiple locked-in drivers, including Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott, increasing the intensity within top teams.

Playoffs starting at Darlington Raceway will test driver skill and strategy under intense pressure. This year, the certainty of having qualified drivers like Chastain can alter how teams approach these next two races—balancing aggression with cautious point gathering. The current standings highlight how vital race wins remain but also underline the importance of consistent finishes from drivers still chasing playoff inclusion.